Cheaper, smaller 'netbooks' ignite portable computer

[dhilipkumar]

Cheaper, smaller 'netbooks' ignite portable computer

Technology is shrinking, allowing more computing power to be stuffed into smaller and smaller devices.

High-end notebook computers from Sony, Apple and Lenovo can easily take the place of a desktop computer, at only a fraction of the size and only minimal performance losses.But while those companies target the $2,000-plus market, companies like Asus, Samsung and Acer are aiming lower — $1,500 lower.

While power and performance has its place, the hottest corner of the portable computing market is inhabited by so-called "netbooks," or "sub-compacts." They're smaller, lighter and significantly less powerful than the average notebook computer.Netbooks are very portable and are designed for Web browsing and e-mailing but little else.

"At this time, they're kind of like the perfect product," said Lance Ulanoff, editor-in-chief of PCMag.com. "They satisfy the need for a computer without emptying the pocketbook."Netbooks popped up at the beginning of the year with offerings like Asus' line of Eee PCs. For around $500, the Eee PC 701 offers the Linux operating system and just enough power to handle basic Internet functions.

Since then, Asus has added to its line, and other companies have jumped into the fray. Most models are priced between $300 and $600."Every manufacturer is rolling with them," Ulanoff said. "It's portable, it's easy to set up and there's not a lot of overhead."Michael Horowitz, an independent consultant and blogger on the Web tech news site CNET, is astounded by the options.

"The number of models from so many companies is breathtaking," he said in an e-mail interview. "As an example, HP is now refreshing their line that was first released in April."It's very exciting — the dawn of a new device category."

The current boom was helped along by chip-maker Intel. Along with Asus, the company partnered with manufacturers in hopes of creating a crop of simple, affordable machines."They're selling like hotcakes," Ulanoff said. "The audience for technology never diminishes. It just comes down to the amount of money people are willing to spend."But low cost comes with sacrifices. Tight keyboards and screens around 9 inches wide are standard equipment virtually across the board.

"For many, the screen and keyboard will be too small, regardless of the price," Horowitz said.

Netbooks typically have minimal storage, often in the form of a solid-state drive based on flash memory. There are several iPods and other MP3 players that have more storage.

Memory is limited to 1 gigabyte of RAM, which is enough to power Linux or Windows XP, but certainly not Vista. Battery life has been questionable with the Eee PC line.And there's no optical drive, which means no CD or DVD player. All content is expected to be downloaded."I still think it'll be a niche player," Ulanoff said. "Business users need more power and a bigger screen. Gamers need power and better graphics.

"Kids and teenagers can deal with a small screen and keyboard better than adults, so they're a natural fit. Plus, they're more likely to break stuff, so a cheap machine also makes sense," he said.

For students in a classroom, a netbook could be the next pencil, Horowitz said.

Ultimately, the netbook is thriving because of technology's 20/80 rule: Users take advantage of only 20 percent of their computer's power, 80 percent of the time.

"Netbooks are not meant to satisfy all needs," Horowitz said, "but just to do what most people need most of the time."